Kia Spectra5 Named One of the 'Top 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000' by Kelley Blue Book

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IRVINE, Calif., May 2 -- Kia Motors America's 2005 Spectra5 five-door was named one of the "Top 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000" by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com editors. Based on the expert opinions of the Kelley Blue Book editorial team, selection was based on price, design, style and performance as well as extensive research and test drives of vehicles selling at or below $18,000 during the week of April 18, 2005.

"This new-for-05 Spectra offers station wagon-like versatility and space in an inexpensive-to-buy and reasonable-to-maintain package," said kbb.com editors. "The big plus is its lengthy warranty coverage."

With a starting MSRP of $15,250, the all-new five-door comes equipped with many features including a sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension with gas pressurized shocks, front and rear stabilizer bars, 16-inch wheels and low-profile 205/50 Goodyear RS-A tires and a front strut tower bar* -- the first ever on a Kia.

The Spectra5 also contains sporty design touches such as front and rear spoilers, side sills, rear valence, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob with perforated leather, sport fabric on the seats and door panels and metallic finish trim throughout the interior, including metal pedals. It is powered by a new 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC engine incorporating continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) and multi-port fuel injection to produce 138-horsepower and 136 lbs.-ft of torque.**

"We're ecstatic that Kelley Blue Book has named the 2005 Spectra5 to its exclusive list of 'cool' cars under $18,000," said Kia Motors America president and CEO Peter M. Butterfield. "This reaffirms our belief that Spectra5 delivers style, performance, safety features and value to our customers. And to make sporty driving fun for sedan lovers, we've just introduced the new Spectra SX, which has all the special features of the "5" added to the sedan, including sport-tuned suspension, interior tweaks and body kit," added Butterfield.

Like all Kia vehicles, the Spectra5 is covered by a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, Korea. The full line of Kia models including the Sorento midsize SUV, Sedona minivan, Amanti premium large sedan, Optima midsize sedan, Sportage compact SUV, Spectra compact sedan and Spectra5 hatchback as well as the Rio subcompact sedan and Rio Cinco five-door wagon are available at more than 600 retailers nationwide.

   *   Manual transmission only

   **  PZEV-SULEV engine on A/T models in CA, MA, ME, NY and VT provides
       132-horsepower and 133 lb.-ft. of torque